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Singer-songwriter Barry Manilow has revealed that he is gay and married to his manager.

The Copacabana star, who is releasing a new album this month, came out about his sexuality and his 39-year relationship with manager Garry Kief in an interview this week.

The pair tied the knot in a small ceremony at their Palm Springs home in 2014, but did not release the news for fear of disappointing fans.

However, few fans will be disappointed – or surprised – to hear that the intensely private 73-year old is gay, with most expressing messages of goodwill and happiness that he has found love.

Speaking to People Magazine, he said: “I thought I would be disappointing them [his fans] if they knew I was gay. So I never did anything.”

He added that those who had since learnt the news had been nothing but supportive, saying: “When they found out that Garry and I were together, they were so happy. The reaction was so beautiful – strangers commenting, ‘Great for you!’ I’m just so grateful for it.”

Manilow, whose 1987 autobiography makes only a fleeting reference to his ex-wife, is this month releasing his 29th album, called This Is My Town.